Digital Books - Main FAQ

The libraries of Kansas work together to provide access to digital library books for all residents, which includes downloadable audiobooks and ebooks. The State Library of Kansas administers this project and provides help to people using the service. If you wanted databases instead, go to "Online Resources" from the Quick Links at left.

Any Kansas resident can check out from this collection. Individuals will need a Kansas Library eCard (which can be obtained from any library in the state) unless their local library provides an alternative.

eBook stands for electronic book. So, you could argue that all digital books are ebooks, but there is a big difference between a digital audiobook (a book you listen to, just like the books on tape or CD) and a regular ebook (that you read on a screen). Most people refer to the digital audiobooks as just audiobooks and the regular ebooks as ebooks. Keep this in mind, if you email us asking for help with ebooks we will assume you mean the standard ebooks!

No. You may use each if you like. Please realize there are checkout limits for each system and this is in the tutorial for each system. Example: on 3M Cloud Library, you may have five books checked out at a time.

No, at the end of the checkout period the book returns automatically and disappears from your account. Early return is available on OneClickdigital, 3M Cloud Library, and Enki (see tutorial or instructions for how). Freading books expire at the end of their checkout. As there are no holds lists on this service, early return is not necessary to help other patrons get a book sooner.

Please see the Device Key on the Tutorials page. This will let you narrow down to your device. With the exception of regular Kindle ereaders, nearly all devices can use at least one system. If you need more assistance, please feel free to contact the Online Services Help Desk (audiobooks@library.ks.gov or 800-432-3919).

Yes, to OneClickdigital (audiobooks) or 3M Cloud Library (ebooks) at this time. Please use the Digital Book Request Form. Please realize that some books do not have digital versions, and not all publishers sell digital copies to libraries.

Some of the services (like Freading) are subscription-based. Every book in their catalogs are available for you to use, the library does not need to purchase individual books.

Most bestselling authors are published by the "Big Six" publishing houses. They have a variety of restrictions on how libraries can buy their ebooks (if allowed at all). Some have copies of the book expire (either after a certain amount of checkouts or 1 year after purchase) or extreme price differences (paying 3 times or more than retail for the book). As you can imagine, all of this makes maintaining the collection difficult.

.If you would like to know more about this, please follow our Big 6 eBooks page on Facebook.

Some authors are speaking out about this as well, please see the Authors for Library eBooks. They provide resources on how you can help.

Talking Books is a service available for those who are unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical impairment. For eligibility information continue reading online.

People eligible for Talking Books may also use any of the Digital Book eLending services. Please ask if you need assistance.